say YES to yourself! | Midlife Reinvention: Real Stories, Bold Moves

Wendy Harrop

Say YES to Yourself! is a top midlife podcast for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who are reinventing their lives and navigating major life transitions.  This podcast is for you if you're asking: 1. Why do I feel lost as a woman in midlife? 2. Who am I now that my kids are grown and I have an empty nest? 3. Is it too late to reinvent myself in my 40s or 50s? 4. How do I rebuild after a divorce or a major life change? 5. Why do I feel guilty for wanting more for myself in midlife? 6. How do I stop people-pleasing and start putting myself first? 7. How do women reinvent themselves after caregiving or burnout? 8. How do I rebuild confidence and trust myself again in midlife? 9. How do I navigate a midlife transition without losing myself? 10. How do I make a career pivot in midlife that actually feels aligned? Each week, host Wendy Harrop interviews inspiring women who are reinventing their lives in midlife. From career changes and creative pursuits to empty nest transitions and personal breakthroughs, you'll hear real stories of midlife transformation, courage, and joy. Topics include: midlife reinvention, starting over after 40, second chapter living, empty nest syndrome, midlife career change, women's empowerment, personal growth for women over 50, midlife transitions, rebuilding after divorce, and finding yourself again in midlife. Say YES to Yourself! is for midlife women ready to shed outdated expectations, rewrite their stories, and put themselves first—without guilt or apology. Your best chapter starts now.

  1. 12H AGO

    The Good Daughter Trap: Caring for Aging Parents on Your Terms | Dr. Allison Alford

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Say "Yes!" to travel! Just check your calendar, book your flight, and pack your cute outfits: Edinburgh, Scotland | July 6-10, 2026 phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/edinburgh Cognac Jewelry School, France June 27-July 4, 2026 or August 15-22, 2026: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations2027 Foundations: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations-2027In this episode, Wendy sits down with Dr. Allison Alford, author of Good Daughtering, a researcher who spent 10 years studying what it means to be a good daughter to aging parents. Dr. Allison introduces the concept of being a "B-plus daughter"—showing up and doing the work without the unnecessary striving for A++ perfection in every role. They explore: Why we're grading ourselves on imaginary scorecards (and who's doing the grading anyway)The difference between hedonic happiness (fun in the moment) and eudaemonic happiness (life well lived)Why obligation doesn't mean unhappiness, and how to get comfortable with thatThis is a conversation about recognizing you're already doing it. Dr. Allison shares why women need more language for discussing daughtering, why we create expectations no one actually gave us, and how to give yourself permission to be enough exactly as you are. Connect with Dr. Allison: Instagram @daughtering101 Daughtering101.com Referenced in this Episode: Martin Seligman - Positive Psychology Center: https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/people/martin-ep-seligman On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen: https://a.co/d/0fGeOtwQ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    54 min
  2. 5D AGO

    When You Take Inspired Action to Manifest the Life You Want | Leighann Shafiq

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Wendy bought a chateau in France! She shares the full story in her Coffee Chat with Liz McHutcheson on YouTube. youtu.be/o-TDZ31pHSQ Say "Yes!" to travel! Just check your calendar, book your flight, and pack your cute outfits: Edinburgh, Scotland | July 6-10, 2026 phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/edinburgh Cognac Jewelry School, France June 27-July 4, 2026 or August 15-22, 2026: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations2027 Foundations: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations-2027In this episode, Wendy sits down with Leighann Shafiq, an American nurse living in the Swiss mountains who went part-time to be more present for her young daughter. Her photography business gave her the financial confidence to make that leap. She's living proof that taking inspired action—not just manifesting—creates the life you want. They explore: How Leighann moved to Switzerland for a seasonal ski camp job and never leftWhy her photography business gave her the freedom to go part-time in nursingWhy manifesting the feeling is more powerful than manifesting the thingThis is a conversation about living in the messy middle and taking inspired action. Leighann shares why there's always a barrier, and that doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue what you want—it means find a way, ask for help, and take the next step. Connect with Leighann: Instagram @peace_love_leigh TikTok tiktok.com/@peace.love.leigh PeaceLoveLeigh.com Referenced in this Episode: Living Abroad as a Single Mom and Redefining What's Possible | Jen Kantor : buzzsprout.com/1872382/episodes/18260314 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    48 min
  3. APR 29

    What She Learned Running Tony Robbins' Company (And Building the Self-Help Industry) | Marcia Martin

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Say "Yes!" to travel! Just check your calendar, book your flight, and pack your cute outfits: Edinburgh, Scotland | July 6-10, 2026 | Discover castles and gardens  phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/edinburgh Cognac Jewelry School, France | Deep dive into silversmith jewelry making with Jessica Hickman-Woolcott June 27-July 4, 2026 or August 15-22, 2026: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations2027 Foundations: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations-20272027 Intermediate: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-intermediate-2027In this episode, Wendy sits down with Marcia Martin, author of Sex, Power, and Transformation (Amazon bestseller) and one of the key architects of the self-help industry. Marcia was a founding member of EST (which became Landmark Forum), became Senior Vice President in her early 20s, and helped build it from 30 people to 800,000 graduates. She then ran Tony Robbins' company for 2 years in the mid-80s and helped take him national. They explore: Why power is addictive and seductive, and how to stay in your own power around charismatic leadersThe patterns we carry from childhood (like pleasing powerful men)Why gurus don't have it all together, and why we need to find answers withinThis is a conversation about what happens when you get to the top of the mountain and find another mountain. Marcia shares both the light and the dark of building transformational empires, and why authenticity means owning your mistakes, not making yourself the hero of every story. Connect with Marcia: MarciaMartin.com Get her book: Sex, Power, and Transformation ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    56 min
  4. APR 24

    When You Stop Waiting for Someone to Take You on the Trip (And Go Anyway) | Melissa Byron

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Inspired to say yes to travel after this conversation? Wendy has three all-inclusive travel experiences where everything is already done for you. Just check your calendar, book your flight, and pack your cute outfits: Edinburgh, Scotland | July 6-10, 2026 | Discover castles and gardens  phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/edinburgh Cognac Jewelry School, France | June 27-July 4, 2026 | Deep dive into silversmith jewelry making with Jessica Hickman-Woolcott phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations  Walnut Grove Cooking School, Normandy | August 27-September 2, 2026 | Cook with an amazing French chef phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/walnut-grove-cookery  In this episode, Wendy sits down with Melissa Byron, travel blogger and group trip leader who started solo traveling in 2009 when she realized she wasn't going to wait around for someone to take her to Rome. What she didn't expect? The shame she felt about traveling alone, the pressure she put on herself to make everything perfect, and how none of it turned out like "Eat Pray Love." They explore: Why her first solo trip wasn't magical (and why she felt guilty about that)How solo travel gave her the confidence to move to Germany on a self-employment visaWhy her travel blog went nowhere for years and why she kept going anywayThis is a conversation about what happens when you stop waiting. Solo travel gave Melissa the confidence to do almost anything—move to another country, start a business, build community. If you're tired of waiting for someone else to give you permission, this one's for you. Connect with Melissa: Instagram instagram.com/asolowomantraveling Facebook facebook.com/groups/solofemaletraveleurope Website asinglewomantraveling.com ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    50 min
  5. APR 22

    The Authentic Self You Lost (And How to Rediscover It) | Lisa Danahy

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Join Wendy for her dreamy Summer Solstice White Party on Saturday June 20, 2026 —an al fresco evening of delicious food, intention-setting, and celebration at the Phineas Wright House. Wear white, gather at the long table in the field, and toast to the season ahead.  Save you seat here: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/summer-solstice-white-party If something in your life or work is asking for space, you can learn more about the Creative in Residence experience at the Phineas Wright House here: phineaswrighthouse.myflodesk.com/cyekpegz8g In this episode, Wendy sits down with Lisa Danahy, yoga therapist, who helps clients peel back layers and roles to rediscover the essence of who they were before the world told them who to be. Lisa works with people who learned early on to look for external validation over their internal knowing, and helps them come home to themselves. They explore: Why rumination is actually how we're wired, and how to reprogram itHow your safety as a child depended on adapting to what others told you to beWhy we hit an upper limit and self-sabotage when life gets too goodThis is a conversation about coming back to that little you who knew exactly who you were before someone told you to settle down. When you were a child and you felt into your bigness, your joy, your essence, and somebody said "contain it." Lisa's work is about giving yourself permission to be your big, wild, unique, authentic self again. Connect with Lisa: CreateCalm.org Instagram: instagram.com/yogatherapywithlisadanahy Her Book, Creating Calm in Your Classroom: https://a.co/d/011ZP0PA Referenced in this Episode: The Yoga Way to Radiance by Shakta Khalsa: https://a.co/d/029XTeXI ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    58 min
  6. APR 17

    How to Stop Falling Back Into Comfort (And Stay Aligned With What You Want) | Anusia Gillespie

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Treat yourself to gorgeous peonies from the Phineas Wright House! Enroll in the 3 week peony subscription and you’ll receive 2 dozen gorgeous peony stems each week, harvested at the perfect stage for a long vase life. Pick up in Bolton, MA. Get all the details here: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/peony-subscription-2026 Join Wendy for her dreamy Summer Solstice White Party on Saturday June 20, 2026 —an al fresco evening of delicious food, intention-setting, and celebration at the Phineas Wright House. Wear white, gather at the long table in the field, and toast to the season ahead.  Save you spot here: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/summer-solstice-white-party In this episode, Wendy sits down with Anusia Gillespie, author of Soul Toll, a self-help fiction book based on her hero's journey. Anusia spent 10 years transitioning from law firm lawyer to aligned life, and she's honest about how hard it is to resist the pull of comfort when you're in the messy middle of transformation. They explore: How to live in "the seat of your body" instead of constantly in your mindWhy it's easy to snap back to comfort (and how conviction keeps you moving forward)Why publishing her book was her calling card to find her soul teamThis is a conversation about staying aligned even when everything in you wants to retreat. When you see things for what they are but still have to maintain relationships that aren't soul-aligned, conviction is what carries you through. Connect with Anusia: Website: AnusiaGillespie.com Get her book, Soul Toll: https://a.co/d/0avvaLcd Instagram: instagram.com/anusiagillespie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anusiagillespie ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    45 min
  7. APR 15

    The Hormone Deal Breakers Draining Your Energy (And How to Fix Them) | Robin Nielsen

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Treat yourself to gorgeous peonies from the Phineas Wright House! Enroll in the 3 week peony subscription and you’ll receive 2 dozen gorgeous peony stems each week, harvested at the perfect stage for a long vase life. Pick up in Bolton, MA. Get all the details here: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/peony-subscription-2026 Join Wendy for her dreamy Summer Solstice White Party on Saturday June 20, 2026 —an al fresco evening of delicious food, intention-setting, and celebration at the Phineas Wright House. Wear white, gather at the long table in the field, and toast to the season ahead.  Save you spot here: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/summer-solstice-white-party In this episode, Wendy sits down with Robin Nielsen, hormone expert and Certified Clinical Nutritionist, who helps women understand why their energy is draining and their hormones are out of balance. Robin breaks down the four distinct hormonal phases women go through and why choosing (instead of living by default) is the key to keeping your hormones balanced. They explore: Why saying yes to yourself is actually choosing, and how choice protects your hormonesThe hormone deal breakers that drain your energy like to-do lists that never get shorterHow to replace your to-do list with a "Doing Now / Not Doing Now / Never Doing Now" system that actually worksThis is a conversation about protecting your life force. When you don't choose—when you let life happen to you, when you tolerate the wrong piano or the wrong house cleaner—your energy drains and your hormones suffer. But when you choose, even when it's a no, you protect your spark. Connect with Robin: Instagram: instagram.com/robinanielsen NaturalHormoneSolution.com Complete Hormone Assessment: NaturalHormoneSolution.com/sayyes Hormone Reset Program (Details coming soon!) ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    59 min
  8. APR 10

    When You Stop Emotional Eating and Start Feeling Your Feelings | Dr. Deb Butler

    Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself! Say YES to Edinburgh: A fully curated, all-inclusive journey through the gardens and castles of Edinburgh, paired with exceptional dining, private tours, and unforgettable moments woven seamlessly together. July 6-10, 2026 Reserve your spot here: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/edinburgh In this episode, Wendy sits down with Dr. Deb Butler, former chiropractor turned mindset and weight coach who helps women understand why they overeat and teaches them to feel their feelings instead of filling them with food. After 30 years working on people's bodies, Dr. Deb realized she was better at getting into their heads, so she pivoted to brain-based eating and emotional work. They explore: Why overeating isn't self-sabotage (it's your brain trying to take care of you)The difference between filling your feelings and feeling your feelingsWhy enjoying food mindfully is beautiful when you're not using it to avoid what you're feelingThis is a conversation about agency, permission, and the messy middle of transformation. This episode invites you to consider: What if you're not broken? What if your brain is just trying to help? And what if the only permission you're waiting for is your own? Connect with Dr. Deb: Instagram @drdebbutler Her Podcast, Thinner Peace in Menopause and Beyond: https://podcasts.apple.com/do/podcast/thinner-peace-in-menopause/id1097852666?l=en-GB Website: DrDebButler.com Quiz: https://drdebbutler.com/foodquiz Referenced in this Episode: Coffee Chat with Dr. Deb: https://youtu.be/en1B3hQq3Tk?si=zxnfVnjp_9l7x4yq The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://a.co/d/03H4uKIR ________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: Linkedin Instagram: @wendy.harrop Facebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm Stays PWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

    59 min
5
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

Say YES to Yourself! is a top midlife podcast for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who are reinventing their lives and navigating major life transitions.  This podcast is for you if you're asking: 1. Why do I feel lost as a woman in midlife? 2. Who am I now that my kids are grown and I have an empty nest? 3. Is it too late to reinvent myself in my 40s or 50s? 4. How do I rebuild after a divorce or a major life change? 5. Why do I feel guilty for wanting more for myself in midlife? 6. How do I stop people-pleasing and start putting myself first? 7. How do women reinvent themselves after caregiving or burnout? 8. How do I rebuild confidence and trust myself again in midlife? 9. How do I navigate a midlife transition without losing myself? 10. How do I make a career pivot in midlife that actually feels aligned? Each week, host Wendy Harrop interviews inspiring women who are reinventing their lives in midlife. From career changes and creative pursuits to empty nest transitions and personal breakthroughs, you'll hear real stories of midlife transformation, courage, and joy. Topics include: midlife reinvention, starting over after 40, second chapter living, empty nest syndrome, midlife career change, women's empowerment, personal growth for women over 50, midlife transitions, rebuilding after divorce, and finding yourself again in midlife. Say YES to Yourself! is for midlife women ready to shed outdated expectations, rewrite their stories, and put themselves first—without guilt or apology. Your best chapter starts now.

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